68, Dual, Death

Stephanie hesitated but eventually accepted the pendant from the guard. As he fastened it around her neck, Kyle's expression darkened.

The guard's innocent gesture ignited Kyle's jealousy. He stormed off, unable to contain his anger. In his chambers, he summoned Sonia, who arrived with a mixture of fear and seduction.

Kyle's eyes narrowed. "You've been disobedient, haven't you?" Sonia knelt, pleading for forgiveness. Kyle's smile sent chills down her spine.

Forgiveness depended on her survival, he said, as he bound her hands and legs. Sonia's fear escalated.

(Kyle's actions become increasingly disturbing and violent. Reader discretion advised.)

Afterward, Kyle ordered Stephanie's presence. She arrived nervous, hands together, but upon seeing Kyle's disheveled state, she turned away.

Kyle's frustration boiled over. "Turn!" he commanded. Stephanie hesitated, fearing his wrath.

Kyle pinned her against the wall, his nose tracing her slender neck. "What have you done to me?" he growled.

Stephanie's silence infuriated him. "Do you want to see the ugly side of the king?" Kyle warned.

Summer arrived, bringing changes and restructuring. Kyle trained with his brother and visited new cities.

One sunny day, while training, Kyle spotted Stephanie approaching with water. The guard who gifted her the pendant stood nearby.

Kyle's mood darkened. "Did I tell you to leave?" he snapped. Stephanie froze, fearing contamination accusations.

Kyle ordered her to drink from his cup, surprising everyone. The king's actions seemed cryptic.

As Stephanie left, Kyle's smirk hinted at triumph. He tasted her, and that was enough.

That night, Kyle sensed a familiar scent and spotted Stephanie and the guard together.

Enraged, Kyle summoned them to his room. "Palace rules have been broken," he stated, eyes accusing.

The guard confessed, and Kyle punished him. As he removed the pendant, a head fell to the floor, splashing blood across Stephanie's face.

Rain poured down, mirroring the turmoil within.